Jan 8 Drink Like a Gentleman with Minimal Effort (7 min read)

I've often fantasized on the idea of having my very own bar set in the corner of my living room, stocked to the gills with every possible liquor. There, I'd be able to mix any request with two flicks of an ice shaker. Herein lies two small problems: One, my tiny condo won't allow for a bar, and two, I don't know jack-shit about mixing drinks.

Accepting my limited pouring skills, I decided to learn a drink that will carry me from my early 30's, long into my old-man, ivy hat years. Behold: The Old Fashioned.

The history of the Old Fashioned is a bit blurry, but is considered one of the very first "cocktails". Just like many classics, there are several variations and different methods to crafting this fine cocktail. Without the need to invest in a well-stocked bar, or gathering ingredients (you'll never use elsewhere), I've decided to write a simple recipe. This drink is guaranteed to make you look like a distinguished drink aficionado. Go ahead, impress your date or your friends with this easy to make drink.

Ingredients needed:

Bourbon

Sugar from your sugar bowl or cubes if you have them

Angostura aromatic bitters

Whole orange (lemon optional)

Frozen water cut into cubes, aka ice

Rocks glass

Ok, here's the simple part:

Take your rocks glass, and put a half-tablespoon of sugar in the glass.

Shake about 3-4 splashes of Angostura bitters into the sugar. Using a small spoon, knead (muddle) the sugar and bitters together to make a consistent "mud".

Pour a half-shot of bourbon into the glass and vigorously stir to dissolve as much of the sugar as possible. Tip: Sugar doesn't dissolve very well in alcohol, so don't get angry if you can make all the sugar disappear.

Add 3 large ice cubes.

Add an additional shot of bourbon, and give a nice stir.

Using a vegetable peeler, peel off two sturdy slices of the orange peel.

For the final BAM! adder: Fold the peel, and hold it between your thumb and pointer finger over the glass. Roll the peel between your fingertips, allowing for any oil in the peel to fall into the glass. (if you've ever peeled an orange and have seen the "spray" coming from the peel, that's the oil I'm talking about)

Run the peel around the rim of the glass, and place into the drink.

Finally, suit up, and lean against your fireplace, as you gaze upon the many leather-bound books in your east-wing library. Salute!